By Martin Ekpeke
MTN Nigeria has officially opened applications for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), introducing a significant expansion to the cohort size. In a move that honours the company’s silver jubilee, the programme will now welcome 25 fellows, up from the 20 participants selected in previous years.
This expansion serves as a symbolic tribute to MTN Nigeria’s 25th anniversary, reinforcing the telecommunications giant’s long-standing dedication to the Nigerian media landscape.
As the company celebrates two and a half decades of connectivity, the MIP stands as a strategic investment in the journalists and content creators who document Nigeria’s digital transformation. The initiative aims to foster a vibrant, independent media sector capable of evolving alongside the rapidly growing digital economy.
“The expansion to 25 fellows this year is a deliberate reflection of our 25-year milestone. As the media industry continues to evolve, there is a continued need to invest in the people and ideas that will shape its future,” said Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria.
The programme provides fellows with access to specialized knowledge, international exposure, and deep engagement with the technological shifts defining modern communication.
Application Deadline is April 22nd, 2026 and interested media professionals can submit their applications via the official portal: mtnmip.smc.edu.ng
By increasing the intake, MTN Nigeria continues to bridge the gap between technical innovation and insightful reportage, ensuring that the story of Nigeria’s connectivity is told with expertise and clarity.

